Method and system for colourizing sports pads

ABSTRACT

A system for colourizing a sports pad includes: at least one sports pad; and at least one decal having a colourized outward side, and an inward side including a fastener for coupling said at least one decal to the sports pad. The at least one sports pad includes at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface shaped complementary to the at least one decal for affixing the at least one decal on the at least one sports pad.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and system for colourizing sports pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for colourizing sports pads with decals.

BACKGROUND

Sports pads generally serve the purpose of outfitting or protecting the wearer, such as a hockey goaltender. Sports pads can also serve the secondary purpose of distinguishing the wearer (e.g. by displaying colours, devices or the like associated with a particular sports team). Such distinguishing marks are typically applied at the manufacturing stage; that is, the sports pad is manufactured with colourized graphics or other visual elements built directly into the pad.

However, it is sometimes desirable to alter the appearance of a sports pad (e.g. when a hockey goaltender changes teams). Given that distinguishing marks are generally built into the pad at manufacturing, manufacturers and retailers often stock a given model of sports pad in a wide variety of different graphical configurations to accommodate as many desired appearances as possible. This approach to accommodating various appearances for sports pads requires costly manufacturing and retail operations, at least as a result of increased stock levels.

Other proposed solutions have been to allow users to alter the appearance of sports pads through the use of coloured tape. Such solutions, however, require time-consuming and error-prone cut and paste operations. Conventional coloured tape may also be prone to leaving residue on the sports pads following its removal (e.g. to place differently-coloured tape elsewhere on the pads). Further, such conventional tape may be prone to accidental removal (whether partial or complete) as a result of impact and friction during regular use of the sports pads.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the specification, a system for colourizing a sports pad is provided, including at least one sports pad and at least one decal having a colourized outward side, and an inward side including a fastener for coupling the at least one decal to the sports pad. The at least one sports pad includes at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface shaped complementary to the at least one decal for affixing the at least one decal on the at least one sports pad.

According to another aspect of the specification, a sports pad is provided. The sports pad includes at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface configured to receive a decal.

According to another aspect of the specification, a decal for colourizing a sports pad is provided. The decal includes an inward side and a colourized outward side. The inward side has a fastener for coupling the decal to an application surface of a sports pad.

According to another aspect of the specification, a method for applying a decal to a sports pad is provided. The method includes identifying at least one visual indicator on a sports pad, the visual indicator indicating a location for at least one decal to be affixed. The method further includes identifying a decal shaped complementary to the visual indicator, and affixing the decal to the sports pad within the visual indicator.

According to another aspect of the specification, a kit is provided, including at least one sports pad. The sports pad includes at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface configured to receive a decal. The kit also includes at least one decal for colourizing the sports pad. The decal includes an inward side and a colourized outward side. The inward side has a fastener for coupling the decal to an application surface of the sports pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a sports pad bearing visual indicators, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a sports pad bearing visual indicators, according to another non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a pair of sports pads, each bearing visual indicators, according to a further non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a system for colourizing a sports pad according to a non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-5B depict cross sectional views of the system of FIG. 4 according to a non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a system for colourizing a sports pad according to another non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 7A-7B depict cross sectional views of the system of FIG. 6 according to a non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts, a system for colourizing a sports pad according to a further non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 9A-9B depict cross sectional views of the system of FIG. 8 according to a non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts a method for colourizing a sports pad according to a non-limiting embodiment; and

FIG. 11 depicts the removal of a removable protective sheet from a decal according to a non-limiting embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary sports pad 100. The sports pad 100 comprises at least one visual indicator 110 indicating a location shaped complementary to a decal (not shown). The sports pad 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a blocker for use by a hockey goaltender. A number of visual indicators 110 (six, in total) are provided on pad 100, three of which are labelled. In other embodiments, a wide variety of numbers of visual indicators 110 can be provided. In general, pad 100 includes at least one visual indicator 110. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the labelled visual indicators 110 have triangular shapes; however, it is contemplated that the visual indicators 110 can have any of a wide variety of other shapes, including, for example, a rectangle, circle, star, or another shape. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a visual indicator having the shape of a star, and a further visual indicator having the shape of a chevron. A more detailed explanation of the structure of the visual indicator 110 and the corresponding decal (not shown), and variations, are described more fully in connection with FIGS. 4-11.

The sports pad 100 is predominantly monochromic in the present embodiment. More particularly, in the present embodiment, the sports pad 100 is predominantly white in colour. In this way, the sports pad 100 is made suitable for colourization by the application of decals to its visual indicators, such that the colourizing effects of such decals are more apparent. In other embodiments, however, the sports pad 100 can be predominantly monochromic of a colour other than white, such as black or grey or any solid colour. In further variations of the present embodiment, the sports pad 100 need not be predominantly monochromic, and can comprise several colours and colourized graphics.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another exemplary sports pad 200. The sports pad 200 comprises at least one visual indicator 210 indicating a location shaped complementary to a decal (not shown). The sports pad 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a catcher (also referred to as a glove) for use by a hockey goaltender. Pad 200 bears a total of six visual indicators 210, three of which are labelled. As noted in connection with FIG. 1, however, it is contemplated that the sports pad 200 can comprise any suitable number of visual indicators in other embodiments. Further, as is shown in FIG. 2, the visual indicators 210 can be of various shapes, including triangular, star-shaped, and chevron-shaped. Visual indicators 210 can also take a wide variety of other shapes. A more detailed explanation of the structure of the visual indicator 210 and the corresponding decal (not shown), and variations, are described more fully in connection with FIGS. 4-11.

Furthermore, as noted in connection with FIG. 1, the sports pad 200 can be monochromic or not monochromic.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pair of sports pads 300. Analogous to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the pair of sports pads 300 comprises at least one visual indicator 310 indicating a location shaped complementary to a decal (not shown). The pair of sports pads 300 shown in FIG. 3 is a pair of leg pads for use by a hockey goaltender. As noted above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the pair of sports pads 300 can comprise any suitable number of visual indicators, including greater or smaller numbers than the eight visual indicators 310 per pad shown in FIG. 3. The visual indicators can also be of various shapes, including but not limited to the triangular shapes shown in FIG. 3. A more detailed explanation of the structure of the visual indicators 310 and the corresponding decal (not shown), and variations, are described more fully in connection with FIGS. 4-11.

Furthermore, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, it would be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the sports pad 300 can be monochromic or not monochromic, provided the application of decals to its visual indicators still colourizes the sports pad 300.

As noted above, in FIGS. 1-3, the sports pads 100, 200 and 300 were exemplified as a hockey goalie blocker, a hockey goalie catcher, and a pair of hockey goalie leg pads, respectively. However, it will now be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the sports pads 100, 200, or 300 can comprise any of a wide variety of other sports pads, such as, for example, soccer shin guards, cricket keeper pads, and the like. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the arrangement and configuration of the visual indicators shown on the sports pads is exemplary only, and the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement or configuration of visual indicators.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a system for colourizing a sports pad. In particular, the system shown in FIG. 4 includes a decal 450 being aligned for application onto a sports pad 400 (which, in the present embodiment, is a blocker similar to that shown in FIG. 1). The system of FIG. 4 (as well as the other systems described herein) can also be referred to as a kit where one or more sports pads are packaged in combination with one or more decals. The sports pad 400 comprises an outer material 404. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the sports pad 400 can be predominantly monochromic, in a colour such as white, black, or grey, or in variations of the present invention, can comprise several colours and colourized graphics. In the present embodiment, these colour attributes are afforded to the sports pad 400 by the colour makeup of outer material 404. The sports pad 400 further comprises at least one visual indicator 410.

The visual indicator 410 comprises an application surface 412 and a visual indicator perimeter 414. In the present embodiment, the visual indicator 410 is shaped complementary to the decal 450. Although the decal 450 (and the visual indicator 410) are triangular in shape, as noted earlier it is contemplated that the decal 450 and visual indicator 410 can be of another shape, such as, for example, a rectangle, circle, star, or any other suitable shape, other examples of which will now be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The application surface 412, in the present embodiment, is a portion of the outer surface of the sports pad 400 on which the decal 450 is to be affixed. In the present embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter 414 circumscribes the decal 450 when the decal 450 is applied to the application surface 412. The structure of the application surface 412, the visual indicator perimeter 414, and the outer material 404, are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 5A-5B.

The decal 450 comprises an outward side 454 and an inward side 458. The outward side 454 of the decal 450 is the side which, when the decal is applied, is facing away from the pad 400 (that is, remains visible to those viewing the pad 400). The inward side 458 of the decal 450 is the side which, when the decal is applied, is facing toward the pad (that is, is hidden from view after installation of the decal 450). In the present embodiment, the outward side 454 is colourized such that, when applied to the application surface 412, the decal 450 colourizes the sports pad 400. The inward side 458 comprises a fastener, such as, in the present embodiment, an adhesive, which removably couples the decal 450 to the application surface 412.

In the present embodiment, the adhesive used to removably couple the decal 450 to the application surface 412 comprises 3M™ “Adhesive 400”. A variety of other suitable adhesives will also occur to those skilled in the art, however. In general, the adhesive removably couples the decal 450 to the application surface 412 in such a way that the decal 450 remains coupled to the application surface 412 during use of the sports pad 400, but can be removed without damaging the decal 450 or the sports pad 400 and also preferably without leaving adhesive residue on the sports pad 400 following removal. In this way, the decal 450 can be swapped with another decal with relative ease.

Where the decal 450 is coated with an adhesive on its inward side 458, as in the present embodiment, then the decal 450 can further comprise a removable protective sheet 1107, as shown in FIG. 11, covering the adhesive on its inward side 458. In the present embodiment, the adhesive and the removable protective sheet 1107 are provided to decal 450 via the application to a base sheet of decal material of a layer of adhesive tape, such as 3M™ “Splicing Tape 465”. The adhesive tape can have an adhesive on one side for substantially permanently attaching the tape to the inward side 458, and another adhesive (such as the above-mentioned “Adhesive 400”) on an opposite side for removably connecting decal 450 to sports pad 400. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be coated directly onto the above-mentioned base sheet of the decal 450, rather than applied in the form of an adhesive tape. A wide variety of fastening mechanisms other than adhesives are also contemplated, examples of which will be discussed herein.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of a decal 450 being applied to a visual indicator 410 on sports pad 400. More specifically, FIG. 5A shows the decal 450 before it is applied to the application surface 412, whereas FIG. 5B shows the decal 450 after being applied to the application surface 412.

As shown, in the present embodiment, the application surface 412 (which may be formed of the same material as outer material 404, or of a different material) is recessed into the body of the pad 400 relative to the outer material 404. More specifically, the application surface 412 is connected to an underlayer of pad material 406 forming the body of the pad 400. The application surface 412 is recessed such that the visual indicator perimeter 414 is raised in the outward direction relative to the application surface 412. When the decal 450 is applied, as shown in FIG. 5B, at least a portion of the decal 450 lies within the recess into the body of the pad 400 in which the application surface 412 is located. In the present embodiment, substantially all of the decal 450 lies within the recess: the outward side 454 of the decal 450 is substantially flush with the visual indicator perimeter 414. In this way, the visual indicator perimeter 414 provides protection to the decal 450 from shear forces that may otherwise impact the decal 450 during sports activities. Furthermore, the outward side 454 of the decal 450 being substantially flush with the visual indicator perimeter 414 may provide the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 400.

In the present embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter 414 includes a portion of outer material 404 stitched to the material forming the application surface 412 by stitching 416. The stitching 416 may enhance the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 400 when it is applied to the application surface 412 (and can also aid in retaining the structural integrity of the application surface 412 relative to the outer material 404). In other embodiments, the stitching 416 can be omitted, and the visual indicator perimeter 414 can include simply a portion of the outer material 404 (specifically, the portion of the outer material adjacent to the recess within which the application surface 412 lies).

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a system for colourizing a sports pad. In particular, the system shown in FIG. 6 includes a decal 450 being aligned for application onto a sports pad 600 (which, in the present embodiment, is a blocker similar to that shown in FIG. 1). The sports pad 600 comprises an outer material 604. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the sports pad 600 can be predominantly monochromic, in a colour such as white, black, or grey, or in variations of the present invention, can comprise several colours and colourized graphics. In the present embodiment, these colour attributes are afforded to the sports pad 600 by the colour makeup of outer material 604. The sports pad 600 further comprises at least one visual indicator 610.

The visual indicator 610 comprises an application surface 612 and a visual indicator perimeter 614. In the present embodiment, the visual indicator 610 is shaped complementary to the decal 450. Although the decal 450 is of a triangular shape, as noted earlier, the decal 450 and the visual indicator 610 can have any of a variety of other suitable shapes. The application surface 612 is the surface on which the decal 450 is to be affixed. The visual indicator perimeter 614 circumscribes the decal 450 when the decal 450 is applied to the application surface 612. The structure of the application surface 612, the visual indicator perimeter 614, and the outer material 604, are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 7A-7B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of the decal 450 being applied to the visual indicator 610 on sports pad 600. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows the decal 450 before it is applied to the application surface 612, whereas FIG. 7B shows the decal 450 after being applied to the application surface 612.

As shown, in the present embodiment, the application surface 612 is substantially coplanar with the outer material 604; for example the application surface 612 and the outer material 604 can be formed by a single continuous piece of material. The application surface 612 is connected to an underlayer of pad material 606 forming a body of the pad 600. The visual indicator perimeter 614 comprises a layer of fabric or other suitable material (including, in some embodiments, the same material as outer material 604) forming a wall raised in the outward direction relative to the application surface 612 and the outer material 604. Thus, although the application surface 612 is substantially coplanar relative to the outer material 604, the application surface 612 is recessed relative to the visual indicator perimeter 614. When the decal 450 is applied, as shown in FIG. 7B, the outward side 454 of the decal 450 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the raised wall formed by the visual indicator perimeter 614, but also raised relative to the outer material 604. In this way, the visual indicator perimeter 614 provides protection to the decal 450 from shear forces that may otherwise impact the decal 450 during sports activities. Furthermore, the outward side 454 of the decal 450 being substantially flush with the visual indicator perimeter 614 may provide the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 600.

In the present embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter 614 is shown stitched to the outer material 604 by stitching 616. The stitching 616 may enhance the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 600 when it is applied to the application surface 612. The stitching 616 can also aid in the retention of the visual indicator perimeter 614 against the outer material 604.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a decal 450 being aligned for application onto a sports pad 800. The sports pad 800 comprises an outer material 804. As described in FIG. 1, the sports pad 800 can be predominantly monochromic, in a colour such as white, black, or grey, or in variations of the present invention, can comprise several colours and colourized graphics. In the present embodiment, these colour attributes are afforded to the sports pad 800 by the colour makeup of outer material 1004. The sports pad 800 further comprises a visual indicator 810.

The visual indicator 810 comprises an application surface 812 and a visual indicator perimeter 814. In the present embodiment, the visual indicator 810 is shaped complementary to the decal 450. Although the decal 450 is of a triangular shape, as noted earlier, in other embodiments the decal 450 (and visual indicator 810) can have a variety of other shapes, such as, for example, a rectangle, circle, star, or another shape. The application surface 812 is the surface on which the decal 450 is to be affixed. The visual indicator perimeter 814 circumscribes the decal 450 when the decal 450 is applied to the application surface 812. The structure of the application surface 812, the visual indicator perimeter 814, and the outer material 804, are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views of the decal 450 being applied to a visual indicator 810 on sports pad 800. Specifically, FIG. 9A shows the decal 450 before it is applied to the application surface 812, whereas FIG. 9B shows the decal 450 after being applied to the application surface 812.

As shown, in the present embodiment, the application surface 812 is substantially coplanar with the outer material 804; for example the application surface 812 and the outer material 804 can be formed by a single continuous piece of material. The application surface 812 is connected to an underlayer of pad material 806. The visual indicator perimeter 814 provides a visual cue that outlines or otherwise indicates the application surface 820, such as, for example, a layer of ink, a graphical design, dye, paint, or stitching, or other visual cue, such that the application surface 812 is outlined. In the present embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter 814 comprises a layer of ink applied to the outer material 804. When the decal 450 is applied, as shown in FIG. 9B, the outward side 454 of the decal 450 is raised above the visual indicator perimeter 814. If the visual indicator perimeter 814 comprises stitching (instead of, or in addition to the above-mentioned ink), the visual indicator perimeter 814 may provide the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 800.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 for applying a decal to a sports pad. The method 1000 is one way in which the decal 450 can be applied to a sports pad, such as, for example, any of the sports pads 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 or 800 described above. It is to be emphasized, however, that the blocks of method 1000 need not be performed in the exact sequence as shown.

Block 1010 comprises identifying a visual indicator on a sports pad wherein the visual indicator indicates a location for a decal to be affixed.

Block 1020 comprises identifying a decal shaped complementary to the identified visual indicator. This block may involve selecting a desired decal from a set of decals.

Block 1030 comprises affixing the identified decal to the identified visual indicator of the sports pad, within the identified visual indicator (more specifically, on the application surface of the visual indicator). This affixation can be achieved through the use of a fastener. In the present embodiment, as discussed above, the fastener is an adhesive, such as, for example 3M™ “Adhesive 400”. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be pre-coated on the inward side 458 of the decal 450. In the present embodiment, the adhesive can be pre-coated on the inward side 458 of the decal 450 as a result of the application of 3M™ Splicing Tape 465 to the decal 450. Furthermore, the adhesive on the decal can be covered by a removable protective sheet 1107, described in connection with FIG. 11, which can be removed prior to the application of the decal 450 to the application surface. In the present embodiment, the removable protective sheet 1107 comprises the paper liner of 3M™ Splicing Tape 465. In other embodiments, the adhesive can be coated on the application surface of the visual indicator instead of on the decal 450 itself. In such embodiments, the adhesive on the application surface can be covered by a removable protective sheet, which can be removed prior to the application of the decal.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the removable protective sheet 1107 being removed from the decal 450 prior to application of the decal 450 to an application surface 1112 of a sports pad. In an embodiment in which the decal 450 is coated with an adhesive that is covered by the removable protective sheet 1107, the removable protective sheet 1107 is removed prior to the application of the decal 450 to the application surface 1112.

Variations to the above embodiments are also contemplated. For example, although adhesives are discussed above as examples of fasteners, a variety of other fasteners can also be employed to removably couple the decal 450 to the sports pads mentioned above. For example, a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro®) fastener system can be used, with a plurality of hooks on an application surface of a sports pad, and plurality of complementary loops on the inward side 458 of the decal 450, or vice versa. Alternatively, a system of snap fasteners (also referred to as press studs or snaps) with cooperating male and female fittings on the application surface of a sports pad and the inward side of a decal. In further embodiments, the application surface can be provided with a plurality of buttons, and the decal 450 can be provided with slots or other openings through which the buttons can be fitted to fasten the decal 450 to the application surface. In the above embodiments, the fasteners (e.g. snap fasteners) can provide both the fastening mechanism and the visual indicator perimeter.

Furthermore, in an embodiment in which an adhesive is used to fasten a decal to a sports pad, although the method for applying a decal to a sports pad is described with a decal being coated with an adhesive, other adhesive applications are also contemplated. For example, the adhesive can be coated on an application surface of a sports pad rather than on the inward side of a decal. In such an embodiment, the adhesive may also be covered with a removable protective sheet. In further embodiments, the adhesive is not coated onto either the sports pad or the decal, but is rather applied just before application of the decal to the sports pad. In such an embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to either the decal or the sports pad just before application of the decal.

In another example variation, the visual indicator perimeter of a visual indicator can be placed within the boundaries of the application surface, rather than surrounding the application surface (and thus, surrounding the decal after application). For example, the visual indicator can comprise other markings (e.g. ink, stitching and the like) that are within the bounds of an application surface of a visual indicator, and which are therefore covered by a decal upon application of the decal. Such markings can comprise any suitable one of, or any suitable combination of, a layer of ink, a graphical design, dye, paint, or stitching, or other visual cue.

For example, in an embodiment in which a hook-and-loop fastener system is used to couple the decal and the sports pad, a plurality of hooks on an application surface of a sports pad could serve both as a part of a fastening system as well as a marking for the proper location and orientation of a decal with complementary loops. Similarly, a plurality of loops could serve the same dual purpose for a decal with complementary hooks. In other words, the visual indicator perimeter can be provided by the fastening material itself.

In a further example, in an embodiment in which a system of buttons and button fasteners are used, a button fastener on an application surface of a sports pad could serve both as a part of the fastening system as well as a marking for the proper location and orientation of a decal with complementary buttons. Similarly, a button could serve the same dual purpose for a decal with complementary button fasteners.

In further example variations, the recessed application surface shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be combined with the raised visual indicator perimeter shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B to provide a deeper recess in which to receive a decal 450. In still further example embodiments, each of a plurality of visual indicators on a single sports pad can have a different one of the structures discussed above. More generally, any suitable combination of the visual indicator structures discussed herein can be implemented on a sports pad.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the above examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for colourizing a sports pad comprising: at least one sports pad; and at least one decal having a colourized outward side, and an inward side including a fastener for coupling said at least one decal to the sports pad; said at least one sports pad including at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface shaped complementary to said at least one decal for affixing said at least one decal on said at least one sports pad.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive.
 3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one sports pad includes at least one of a leg pad, a blocker and a glove.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the application surface is recessed from an outer material of the sports pad.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the visual indicator comprises a visual indicator perimeter indicating a location of the application surface.
 6. The system of claim 5, the visual indicator perimeter further comprising a layer of material raised above the application surface and an outer material of the sports pad.
 7. The system of claim 5, the visual indicator perimeter further comprising stitching.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a mechanical fastener.
 9. A sports pad comprising at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface configured to receive a decal.
 10. The sports pad of claim 9, wherein the sports pad includes at least one of a leg pad, a blocker, and a glove.
 11. The sports pad of claim 9, wherein the application surface is recessed from an outer material of the sports pad.
 12. The sports pad of claim 9, the visual indicator further comprising a visual indicator perimeter indicating a location of the application surface.
 13. The sports pad of claim 12, the visual indicator perimeter further comprising a layer of material raised above the application surface and an outer material of the sports pad.
 14. The sports pad of claim 12, the visual indicator perimeter further comprising stitching.
 15. The sports pad of claim 9 wherein the application surface comprises a fastener for coupling the decal to the application surface.
 16. The sports pad of claim 15 wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive.
 17. The sports pad of claim 15 wherein the fastener comprises a mechanical fastener.
 18. A decal for colourizing a sports pad comprising: an inward side and a colourized outward side; said inward side having a fastener for coupling the decal to an application surface of a sports pad.
 19. The decal of claim 18 wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive.
 20. The decal of claim 18 wherein the fastener is a mechanical fastener.
 21. The decal of claim 18, further comprising a removable protective sheet affixed to the inward side of the decal.
 22. A method for applying a decal to a sports pad comprising: identifying at least one visual indicator on a sports pad wherein the visual indicator indicates a location for at least one decal to be affixed; identifying a decal shaped complementary to said visual indicator; and affixing said decal to said sports pad within said visual indicator.
 23. A kit comprising: at least one sports pad, said sports pad comprising at least one visual indicator indicating an application surface configured to receive a decal; and at least one decal for colourizing the sports pad, said decal comprising an inward side and a colourized outward side, said inward side having a fastener for coupling the decal to an application surface of the sports pad. 